1108 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 1108: The Greatest Under Heaven's Childhood Friend The Great Demon Gate. It is a massive demon gate that appears in cycles. Unlike other demon gates, its size is on a different scale, as is the number of monsters emerging from within. A formidable size and overwhelming numbers. If not properly contained, it could wreak havoc not only nearby but across the entire region. In the distant past, shortly after the Blood Demon War ended, a failure to address the Great Demon Gate resulted in devastating destruction across the Yoryeong area. Fortunately, nowadays measures against such monsters are well-established, and the monsters that emerge bear green and blue markings, making them less formidable. If there’s a systematically organized Sword Division present, handling it isn’t too difficult. 'If it’s the head of a clan, they might be able to handle it alone.’ A martial artist of the advanced Hwagyeong rank or higher can face the Great Demon Gate without much trouble. ‘...But if it’s a Red Great Demon Gate.’ The situation becomes significantly different. ‘The difficulty level changes.’ True to its name, the Red Great Demon Gate is a counteraction to demon gates with red-coded monsters. Even though a good number of monsters already pour out, having red monsters among them changes everything. It’s overwhelmingly difficult even for a Hwagyeong rank martial artist to handle, and when the Red Great Demon Gate first countered, it was none other than the Celestial Virtuous Immortal who confronted it. But even with his overwhelming force, the Celestial Virtuous Immortal couldn’t completely contain the Red Great Demon Gate. ‘And such a thing is expected to emerge here?’ It’s not just any demon gate—it’s a Great Demon Gate. The fact that it’s of a red grade was shocking. ‘So that’s why the Namgung family requested assistance from the alliance.’ It makes sense when you think of it that way. ‘But why send only us?’ Given the gravity of the situation, sending just our group seemed inadequate, especially in matters of demon gates. ‘They should’ve sent the Pung Ryong Division.’ The research into the teachings and tactics against the demons falls under the Pung Ryong Division. It would make more sense to entrust this to them or even the Bi Ryong Division, not the Choryong Division, which is a combat unit. ‘Sending in new recruits like this...’ It was perplexing and beyond understanding. ‘What is the Sword Sovereign thinking?’ While struggling to grasp the reason for our presence here. “Focus.” “...” The voice snapped me out of my thoughts. So Yi had spoken to bring back my attention from being spaced out. “What are you pondering about during a mission?” “I apologize.” “Stay sharp.” With her words, So Yi turned her focus forward again. I held back a sigh at seeing her actions. ‘Well.’ We were currently ascending the mountain ridge the Namgung family had directed us to. Guided by a member of the Namgung family, we continued to climb the high and rugged path. With every step uphill, I realized the truth. ‘The terrain is terrible.’ The Great Demon Gate was purportedly preparing to crack at the mountain’s summit. The location was a nightmare. ‘In such rough terrain, while it may make it easier for monsters to rampage, it’s also a massive hassle for us to counter.' Why did it have to open here of all places? It seems the Namgung family’s luck was really abysmal this time. Reflecting on that, I looked at the group. Along with me were Do Yun, So Yi, and Father climbing with me. Nam Gung Jin remained at the clan, along with Mi Hyo Ran and Hyun So Yeon. Mother, naturally, wasn't with us. Who knew where she was taking her rest. ‘Hmm.’ We climbed for quite a while longer. Continuing our ascent along the given directions, without much conversation along the way. All we were doing was climbing the mountain, with an intense desire to fly up growing every moment. “We’ve arrived.” The Namgung family member reached the top and informed us. “It’s over there.” Looking to where he pointed, my eyes narrowed. ‘Damn.’ It was exactly as it appeared. 'It really is a Red Great Demon Gate.' Indeed, there was the Great Demon Gate. Its scale was incomparable to normal demon gates. Despite being atop a mountain, it was like a small hill. A crimson mist enveloped this massive gate, tied with what seemed like five bands. ‘...Which means it’ll unravel in five days.’ Those bands disappear one by one each day. That’s the rule for the Red Great Demon Gate. In five days, the Great Demon Gate will definitively open. The problem is. ‘...These people here are unaware of that.’ That’s the crux of it. Such traits were identified as the Red Great Demon Gate made its presence known. Right now, they remain clueless about it. Leading to a situation where. ‘There won’t be enough time to send for backup after the survey team returns.’ Five days aren’t remotely enough. By the time we return, the gate will have opened. “It really is the Great Demon Gate... and it's red, too.” So Yoo murmured, approaching the demon gate. Drawn by its brilliant color, she approached absent-mindedly. She suddenly reached out her hand. Just as her extended fingertips almost touched the gate. Snap-! Father grasped So Yi's hand firmly. “Step back.” “A-ah…! I’m sorry.” So Yi quickly retreated, and Father examined the gate closely. “Do you know anything about the energy surrounding this place?” “We haven’t been able to identify it yet. The numbers are significantly fewer compared to the time of its emergence.” “...Fewer numbers?” “Yes.” “No other notable reactions?” “That’s correct.” “When did it first appear?” “Not even a full month ago.” “...” Considering the timeline, it became clear. ‘This must be because of me.’ It must’ve coincided with my arrival in these parts. As I further scrutinized the demon gate, So Yi approached and spoke. “It's fortunate the gate hasn’t opened yet. But looking at its state, we don’t know when it might open, and what might happen when it does. We should request reinforcements.” She was right. With the appearance of the red grade, they should’ve sent support instead of a survey team. ‘But the Namgung family likely didn't want that.’ Requesting help from the martial alliance might have led to a decline in the Namgung family’s standing. That’s likely why their leader, Namgoong Jehwi, only requested an investigation. ‘What to do now?’ The situation didn’t look favorable. At that moment. “...The loop. It disappears...” Father mumbled something while observing the demon gate. "Are you aware of the cycle in which these loops vanish?” "They said the guards reported... that a loop disappears at midnight each day." "At midnight, one loop. Daily?" "Yes." "I see." Father continued speaking in a calm manner. "This gate appears set to open in five days. Reporting this would be too late." "...!" I widened my eyes upon hearing his words. To discern this so quickly? Granted, given the context and disappearance of the loops every day, one might deduce it, but... ‘Still, though.’ The confidence in his conclusion was impressive to me. "In five days...?" So Yi’s eyes widened at his words. "Are you saying the Great Demon Gate will open in five days?" "Possibly." "Then, I will immediately send a written request for reinforcements." "Sending it is wise, though it’s already too late." If it’s truly to erupt in five days, support would not arrive in time. "For now, we should return." Father turned around abruptly, having completed his examination. We headed back to the clan without delay. * * * "In five days, you say?" Upon reporting to the head of the house, Namgoong Jehwi's expression hardened. "It is our estimation." "Hmm..." "Granted, since the Pung Ryong Division hasn’t come personally, it's not a certainty." A professional assessment would normally require the Pung Ryong Division's involvement. Since they hadn't come, additional clarification was needed. However... "Five days, huh." Namgoong Jehwi was already lost in thought after hearing the report. "I’ve sent a letter concerning the investigation to the alliance. Typically, we’d monitor the situation for a few days more, but if our assumption is correct, there isn’t enough time, hence the decision to proceed." "You have my gratitude. If your estimation is accurate, our side needs to be cautious, so consider it a courtesy." "I'm grateful for your words. Additionally." Father gathered his thoughts momentarily before speaking to Namgoong Jehwi again. "To prepare for any unforeseen scenarios, could we review your internal investigation reports? If that’s possible." Father requested access to the Namgung clan's internal reports. Namgoong Jehwi’s expression tightened slightly at the request. Asking for such internal documents seemed to irk him a little, but... "I’ll have them ready within the day." "Thank you." Namgoong Jehwi conceded to the request. After leaving the head's office, Father looked at us and said, "There will be no further investigations or activities today, so take this time to rest." "Understood." "Yes." Having issued his orders, Father disappeared on his own. Seeing this, a lingering concern was visible on So Yi’s face as she also moved to another spot. "What's your plan, Baek friend?" Do Yun turned to ask me. "Not sure. What about you?" "I... well..." Eyeing the direction Father had gone, Do Yun seemed contemplative. "…I think I’ll just rest for now." Though he said he'd rest, I found it hard to believe him completely. "Alright then. I’ll engage in some training." I didn’t interfere or judge Do Yun’s choice. Leaving him to his supposed rest, I moved on. Though under the guise of training, there was someone I needed to meet. I set out to find him. "…So. Why did you come here…?" A young man gently rubbing his slightly swollen jaw with an egg. I was meeting the newly awakened Namgoong Hyung.